Tuna is a tasty and adaptable fish that can be used in many different recipes. From simple sandwiches to fancy dinners, tuna offers lots of options for your meals.

You can use canned tuna or fresh tuna steaks to create quick and easy dishes.

These 18 tuna recipes will give you new ideas for cooking with this popular fish. You’ll find recipes for salads, casseroles, pasta dishes, and more.

Whether you want a light lunch or a filling dinner, there’s a tuna recipe here for you. Try some of these dishes to add more variety to your cooking.

1. Classic Tuna Salad

Tuna salad is a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for lunch or a light dinner. You can make it in just a few minutes with simple ingredients.

Start with canned tuna packed in water. Drain it well and break it up with a fork.

Mix in some mayonnaise, finely chopped celery, and diced red onion for crunch and flavor.

Add a squeeze of lemon juice and a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Some people like to include chopped dill pickles or hard-boiled eggs for extra texture and taste.

Serve your tuna salad on bread, in a wrap, or over lettuce. It’s a versatile dish that you can easily customize to your liking.

2. Spicy Tuna Roll

Spicy tuna rolls are a tasty sushi option you can make at home. Start by cooking sushi rice and seasoning it with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt.

Cut sashimi-grade tuna into small cubes or mince it finely. Mix the tuna with spicy mayo made from sriracha sauce and mayonnaise.

Prepare a bamboo mat with plastic wrap and place a sheet of nori on top. Spread a thin layer of rice on the nori, leaving a strip bare at one end.

Add the spicy tuna mixture in a line across the rice. Roll the sushi tightly using the mat, sealing the edge with water. Slice the roll into pieces and serve.

3. Tuna Niçoise Salad

Tuna Niçoise Salad is a tasty French dish that combines fresh ingredients with protein-packed tuna. You’ll love this colorful and nutritious meal.

Start by boiling potatoes and green beans until tender. Cook some eggs until hard-boiled. While these ingredients cool, sear tuna steaks in a hot pan for a couple of minutes on each side.

Arrange a bed of lettuce on your plate. Add the cooled potatoes, green beans, and sliced eggs. Place the seared tuna on top. Scatter some olives, tomatoes, and capers around the plate.

Drizzle everything with a simple vinaigrette made from olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs. This light dressing ties all the flavors together perfectly.

4. Seared Ahi Tuna

Seared ahi tuna is a quick and tasty dish you can easily make at home. Start by marinating the tuna steaks in a mix of soy sauce, lemon juice, and sesame oil for added flavor.

Season the tuna with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat a pan over high heat and sear the tuna for 30 seconds to 1 minute per side.

The result is a beautifully seared exterior with a rare, tender center.

Slice the tuna and serve it over fresh greens or with sliced avocado for a healthy, protein-rich meal.

You can also try it as a burger or in a salad for different meal options. Seared ahi tuna is not only delicious but also packed with omega-3 fatty acids.

5. Tuna Poke Bowl

Tuna poke bowls are a tasty Hawaiian-inspired dish you can make at home. You’ll need sushi-grade tuna, cut into small cubes. Mix the tuna with soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar for flavor.

Add some green onions, sesame seeds, and a dash of sriracha for extra kick. Let the tuna marinate while you prepare the other ingredients.

Serve your poke over a bed of rice. You can use white or brown rice, depending on your preference. Add toppings like avocado, cucumber, and seaweed for crunch and variety.

For a spicy twist, mix some mayonnaise with sriracha and drizzle it over your bowl. Enjoy your homemade tuna poke bowl as a fresh and healthy meal option.

6. Mediterranean Tuna Pasta

Mediterranean tuna pasta brings together flavors from the sunny Mediterranean coast. You’ll love this quick and easy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Start by cooking your favorite pasta. While it boils, prepare a flavorful sauce with olive oil, onions, garlic, and tomatoes. Add dried herbs like oregano for an authentic touch.

Stir in high-quality canned tuna, preferably packed in olive oil for extra flavor. Mix in some lemon zest and juice to brighten the dish.

Toss the pasta with the sauce and add extras like kalamata olives, capers, or red pepper flakes. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley before serving.

This tasty pasta dish is ready in about 20 minutes. It’s a great way to enjoy tuna in a new, exciting way.

7. Grilled Tuna Steaks with Lemon Butter

Grilled tuna steaks with lemon butter offer a tasty and simple meal. Start by seasoning your tuna steaks with salt and pepper. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

Grill the tuna for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare. While grilling, mix softened butter with lemon zest, lemon juice, and a pinch of garlic powder.

Once cooked, top the tuna with the lemon butter. The butter will melt over the hot fish, adding flavor.

This dish pairs well with grilled vegetables or a light salad.

For extra zest, try adding herbs like thyme or parsley to your lemon butter. You can also brush the tuna with olive oil before grilling to prevent sticking.

8. Tuna Melt Sandwich

A tuna melt is a tasty twist on the classic tuna sandwich. You start by making a simple tuna salad. Mix canned tuna with mayo, diced celery, and chopped onion.

Add some pickle relish or diced pickles for extra flavor. Spread the tuna mixture on bread slices. Top with cheese like cheddar or Swiss.

Toast the sandwich in a skillet or under the broiler until the cheese melts. The outside should be golden and crispy. You can add sliced tomatoes for freshness.

Tuna melts are quick to make and very filling. They’re perfect for lunch or a light dinner. You can easily customize the ingredients to suit your taste.

9. Tuna Casserole

Tuna casserole is a classic comfort food that’s easy to make. You’ll need egg noodles, canned tuna, frozen peas, and cream of mushroom soup.

Cook the noodles, then mix them with the other ingredients. Add some shredded cheese for extra flavor. Pour the mixture into a baking dish.

Top it with breadcrumbs or crushed potato chips for a crispy crust. Bake the casserole at 425°F for about 20-30 minutes until it’s hot and bubbly.

You can customize your tuna casserole by adding different vegetables or spices. Some people like to include celery or onions for extra crunch and flavor.

10. Blackened Tuna Tacos

Blackened tuna tacos offer a spicy twist on classic fish tacos. You’ll love the bold flavors of this dish. Start by coating tuna steaks with a mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and other spices.

Sear the tuna in a hot skillet for about 2 minutes per side. This quick cooking keeps the inside rare while creating a flavorful crust. Slice the tuna thinly and serve in warm tortillas.

Top your tacos with crunchy cabbage slaw and a drizzle of spicy mayo. For extra flavor, add fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime. These tacos are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual gatherings with friends.

11. Tuna Avocado Toast

Tuna avocado toast is a quick and tasty meal you can whip up in minutes. Start with toasted bread as your base. Mash ripe avocado and spread it on the toast.

Mix canned tuna with lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Add this tuna mixture on top of the avocado. You can get creative with extra toppings too.

Try sliced cucumbers or tomatoes for crunch and freshness. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick. For extra zest, squeeze some lime juice over everything.

This dish gives you protein from the tuna and healthy fats from the avocado. It’s filling and nutritious, perfect for breakfast or lunch.

12. Tuna Stuffed Bell Peppers

Tuna stuffed bell peppers are a tasty and easy meal option. To make them, start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Cut bell peppers in half and remove the seeds.

Bake the pepper halves for about 15 minutes to soften them. While they cook, mix canned tuna with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and mustard in a bowl. Add chopped celery and onion for crunch.

Fill the softened peppers with the tuna mixture. Top with shredded cheese if you like. Bake again until the cheese melts and turns golden, about 3-4 minutes.

This dish is quick to make and full of protein. You can change up the flavors by adding different spices or vegetables to the tuna mix.

13. Herbed Tuna Cakes

Herbed tuna cakes are a tasty twist on classic tuna patties. You can make them easily with canned tuna and a few simple ingredients.

Mix drained tuna with chopped fresh herbs like parsley and dill. Add minced garlic, lemon zest, and a beaten egg to bind everything together.

Form the mixture into small patties. Coat them in breadcrumbs for a crispy exterior. Pan-fry the cakes in a little oil until golden brown on both sides.

Serve your herbed tuna cakes warm with a squeeze of lemon juice. They make a great appetizer or light meal. You can also add them to salads or sandwiches for extra protein.

14. Tuna and White Bean Salad

Tuna and white bean salad is a quick, easy meal that’s perfect for busy days. You’ll need canned tuna, white beans, red onion, and fresh herbs.

Drain the tuna and beans, then mix them in a bowl. Add chopped red onion and parsley for flavor and crunch.

For dressing, use olive oil and lemon juice. This adds brightness and helps blend the flavors. Mix everything gently to keep the beans intact.

Season with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add extras like cherry tomatoes or olives for more variety.

This salad is good right away, but tastes even better after chilling for an hour. It’s a great option for lunch or a light dinner.

15. Tuna Tartare

Tuna tartare is a tasty dish made with raw, high-quality tuna. You can make it at home in just a few minutes.

Start by cutting fresh tuna into small cubes. Mix it with a blend of flavors like soy sauce, lime juice, and sesame oil.

Add some diced cucumber, avocado, or scallions for extra crunch and taste. Season with salt, pepper, and maybe a touch of wasabi for kick.

Serve your tuna tartare chilled. It’s great on its own or with crispy toast points. This dish is perfect for a light meal or fancy appetizer.

16. Tuna Quiche

Tuna quiche is a tasty and filling dish that’s easy to make. You’ll need eggs, cream, cheese, and tuna as the main ingredients.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out a pie crust in a 9-inch dish and prick it with a fork.

Flake the tuna over the crust. Mix eggs, cream, and cheese in a bowl. Add salt and pepper to taste. Pour this mixture over the tuna.

Bake for about 45-50 minutes until the center is set. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

You can reheat leftovers in the oven, microwave, or air fryer. This quiche is great for lunch or dinner.

17. Tuna Empanadas

Tuna empanadas are a tasty and portable snack or meal. To make them, you’ll need tuna, onions, peppers, and spices for the filling.

Roll out dough circles and add a spoonful of tuna mixture to each. Fold the dough over and seal the edges with a fork.

You can fry the empanadas in hot oil for 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown. For a healthier option, bake them in the oven at 400°F.

Serve your tuna empanadas warm or at room temperature. They make great appetizers or can be packed for lunch on the go.

18. Tuna and Sweetcorn Fritters

Tuna and sweetcorn fritters are a tasty and easy meal option. You can whip them up quickly for lunch or dinner.

To make these fritters, mix canned tuna, sweetcorn, flour, and eggs. Add some seasoning for extra flavor.

Heat oil in a pan and drop spoonfuls of the mixture in. Cook each side for about 3 minutes until golden brown.

These fritters are versatile. Enjoy them warm or cold. Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.

You can also make smaller fritters as a snack or appetizer. They’re great for kids and adults alike.

Health Benefits of Tuna

Tuna is packed with nutrients that can boost your health. It provides protein, vitamins, and healthy fats that support your body in many ways.

Nutritional Profile of Tuna

Tuna is high in protein and low in calories. A 3-ounce serving gives you about 20 grams of protein. This fish also contains vitamin D, which helps your bones stay strong.

Tuna provides B vitamins like niacin and B12. These help your body turn food into energy.

You’ll also get selenium from tuna. This mineral acts as an antioxidant to protect your cells.

Canned tuna often has added calcium. This mineral is key for strong bones and teeth. Tuna also gives you potassium, which helps control blood pressure.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Heart Health

Tuna is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, especially DHA and EPA. These fats are good for your heart.

They can lower your risk of heart disease and stroke.

Omega-3s help reduce inflammation in your body. This can ease joint pain and stiffness.

These fats may also help lower triglycerides, a type of fat in your blood.

Eating tuna can improve your cholesterol levels. It may raise your “good” HDL cholesterol while lowering the “bad” LDL kind.

This balance is important for heart health.

Different Types of Tuna

Tuna comes in several varieties, each with its own taste and texture. Some types are better for specific dishes, while others work well in many recipes.

Let’s look at the main kinds of tuna you might encounter.

Albacore vs. Bluefin Tuna

Albacore tuna has light, mild meat. It’s often called “white tuna” and is common in canned form.

You can use it for sandwiches, salads, and casseroles. Albacore has a firm texture and subtle flavor.

Bluefin tuna is prized for its rich, buttery taste. It’s often served raw as sashimi or sushi.

Bluefin has dark red meat and a stronger flavor than other types. It’s great for grilling or searing.

This type is less common and more expensive than others.

Canned Tuna Varieties

Light tuna is usually skipjack or yellowfin. It has a stronger flavor and darker color than albacore.

Light tuna works well in pasta dishes and salads. It’s often cheaper than white tuna.

Chunk light tuna has small pieces of fish. Solid white tuna contains larger chunks.

Some brands offer flavored options like lemon-pepper or herb-seasoned tuna. These add extra taste to your recipes.

Look for sustainably caught tuna when shopping. Pole-and-line caught tuna is a good choice for the environment.